What
Is a Peritonsillar Abscess?

A peritonsillar abscess is a bacterial infection that usually
begins as a complication of untreated strep throat or tonsillitis. It generally
involves a pus-filled pocket that forms near one of your tonsils.

Peritonsillar abscesses are most common in children, adolescents,
and young adults. They often occur at the beginning or end of the winter
season, when illnesses like strep throat and tonsillitis are most widespread.

Causes
of a Peritonsillar Abscess

Peritonsillar abscesses usually occur as a complication of
tonsillitis. If the infection breaks out of a tonsil and spreads to the
surrounding area, an abscess can form. Use of antibiotics in the treatment of
strep throat and tonsillitis has led to peritonsillar abscesses becoming less
common.

Peritonsillar abscesses can also be caused by mononucleosis
(commonly referred to as mono) as well as tooth and gum infections. In much
rarer cases, it’s possible for peritonsillar abscesses to occur without an
infection. This is generally due to the inflammation of the Weber’s glands.
These glands are located under your tongue and produce saliva.

Symptoms
of a Peritonsillar Abscess

The symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess are similar to those of
tonsillitis and strep throat. However, with this condition, you may actually be
able to see the abscess towards the back of your throat. It looks like a
swollen, whitish blister or boil. Symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess include:

infection in one or both tonsils

fevers or chills

difficulty opening the mouth fully

difficulty swallowing

difficulty swallowing saliva (drooling)

swelling of the face or neck

headache

muffled voice

sore throat (usually worse on one side)

swollen glands in the throat and jaw (tender
to the touch) and ear pain on the side of the sore throat

bad breath

Peritonsillar abscesses could cause potentially severe
symptoms or complications. These rarer and more serious symptoms include:

infected lungs

obstructed (blocked) airway

spreading of infection to throat, mouth,
neck, and chest

rupture of the abscess

If the abscess ruptures, it can carry infection throughout the
body. It can also block the airway even more.

Even though some of these symptoms may be signs of other problems,
such as strep throat, you should contact your doctor so they can make the final
determination.

Diagnosing
a Peritonsillar Abscess

To diagnose a peritonsillar abscess, your doctor will first
perform an examination of your mouth and throat. They may take a throat culture
or a blood test to diagnose your condition. Signs of an abscess include:

swelling
on one side of the throat

swelling
on the roof of the mouth

redness
and swelling of the throat and neck

Lymph nodes are often enlarged on the same side.

Your doctor might also order a CT scan or MRI to see the abscess
more closely. They might also use a needle to draw fluid from the abscess. This
fluid will be tested to check if there is an infection.

Preventing
Peritonsillar Abscesses from Developing

To prevent an abscess, it helps to begin treatment for tonsillitis
immediately. Your chance of getting an abscess increases when treatment for
tonsillitis is delayed.

You should also get treatment right away if you contract mono to
help prevent further complications. Make sure to brush your teeth and get your
dental checkups to keep your teeth healthy. Smokers are also more prone to
peritonsillar abscesses. Keeping your mouth clean and healthy and not smoking
can help to reduce your chance of developing an abscess.

Treating
a Peritonsillar Abscess

Antibiotics are the most common form of treatment for a
peritonsillar abscess. Your doctor may also drain the pus in the abscess to help
the antibiotics work properly. This is done by lancing (or cutting) into the
abscess to release fluids. A needle can also be used. Note that such procedures
are usually done by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeon.

If you are unable to eat or drink, you may have to receive fluids
for hydration intravenously (through an IV). Painkillers may be prescribed also
if you are experiencing a great amount of pain.

As with chronic strep throat and tonsillitis, when abscesses are
reoccurring, your doctor might recommend removing the tonsils to avoid future
and more severe infections.

What
Is the Long-Term Outlook for Peritonsillar Abscesses?

If it’s treated, a peritonsillar abscess normally goes away
without causing any more problems. However, you could get the infection again
in the future.

If it isn’t treated quickly, longer term potential complications
from a peritonsillar abscess include:

obstruction of the airway

bacterial infection in the jaw, neck, or
chest

fluid around the lungs

pneumonia

inflammation around the heart

If you are having problems with your tonsils, talk to your doctor about
possibly removing them. Pay attention to any pain or changes in your throat
area and remember that the key to treating peritonsillar abscess is early
detection.